Portable music stand top and case combined

ABSTRACT

A portable music stand intended for tabletop use with adaptability to a tripod support base is provided. The stand has the integral capacity to store orchestral size music scores as well as accessories. Its design provides means to transport a tripod support base, writing utensils and make for easy carrying by way of a removable shoulder strap. Music securing straps and an extended height range capacity make for an improved portable music stand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/308,258, filed Jul. 25, 2001.

BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to portable music stands, specifically to an improved portable music stand top whose case is also a shelf cover, designed to remain intact and look aesthetically appealing.

BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0003] Collapsibility and rigidity along with convenience have long been the desires of musicians regarding portable music stands.

[0004] Therefore, inventors have attempted several ways to meet these desired needs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,511 B1 to Shepherd (2001) discloses a collapsing music stand that disassembles into several parts that are intended for storage in a separate carrying bag. Although Shepherd's invention is self-containing it has inherent disadvantages. These include several loose parts that require excessive assembly and disassembly. Further, the storage mode requires a separate carrying bag with no means for transporting print music or accessories.

[0005] These disadvantages can be frustrating and inconvenient. Continuous setup and breakdown can lead to worn parts, misplaced parts or lost parts. The user may discard a separate carrying bag from time to time and henceforth increase the likelihood of lost or damaged parts.

[0006] Another invention, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,661 to Gershon (1996) discloses a collapsing lectern or stand that has a separate case for storing music in combination with the stand for desired portability. The fact that the case is separate subjects the user to consider finding extra space for the case once they set up for playing. This can be compromising, especially when playing with ensembles or in situations where space is limited.

[0007] Still another invention, U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,553 to Cooper (1998) discloses a portable stand. Cooper's invention is designed to act like a carrying case when collapsed. When opened this invention appears awkward and clumsy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention, an improved portable music stand with a built in cover case combination that is subtle and appealing in appearance and accommodating in a plurality of ways for the user.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0009] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are to provide an improved portable music stand that will conveniently store music and accessories. Another aspect of the present invention is a tabletop leg feature that is completely adjustable. Further, it is designed for intended use with a compatible support base, many of which currently exist.

[0010] Accordingly to another aspect of the present invention, the tabletop leg feature is interchangeable with a height extension rod. This height extension rod is intended to provide desirable height range when used with a support base. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent upon further study of the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0011]FIG. 1 is a rearview perspective of the shelf with itemized parts.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a rearview perspective of the shelf cover case assembled with itemized parts.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a rearview perspective of the shelf and cover case preassembled.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a frontal perspective of the present invention fully assembled with music secure straps

[0015]FIG. 5 is a rearview perspective of the present invention fully assembled

[0016]FIG. 6 is a rearview perspective of the present invention when used with a compatible base support.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a front view perspective of the present invention when used with the height extension rod.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0018] 11. Shelf

[0019] 12. Shelf Support Bracket

[0020] 13. Carriage bolt

[0021] 14. Leg Pivot Adaptor

[0022] 15. Table Top Leg

[0023] 16. Height Extension Rod

[0024] 17. Shelf Cover Case

[0025] 18. Flap Fastener Male

[0026] 19. Flap Fastener Female

[0027] 20. Support Base Storage Feature

[0028] 21. Cover Case Pocket Liner

[0029] 22. Writing Utensil Storage Feature

[0030] 23. Cover Case Exterior Rear Panel

[0031] 24a. Pocket Liner Bracket Reveal Hole

[0032] 24b. Cover Case Bracket Reveal Hole

[0033] 25. Cover Case Exterior Front Panel

[0034] 26. Grommet

[0035] 27. Shoulder Strap

[0036] 28. Velcro “Hook” Fastener

[0037] 29. Velcro “Loop” Fastener

[0038] 30. Music Secure Strap

[0039] 31. Secure Strap Hook

[0040] 32. Example Tripod in Storage

[0041] 33. Example Tripod in Use

[0042] 34. Interior Pockets

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043]FIG. 1 shows a shelf, 11, which is constructed of rigid material. 12 is a shelf support bracket made of rigid material. 14 and 15 are combined to create a tabletop leg. They have threaded ends and are constructed of rigid material. 16 is a height extension rod. This rod 16 is also threaded on one end and intended for interchangeability with the standard rod 15 where it connects to the leg pivot adapter 14. A carriage bolt 13 connects the tabletop leg 14 and 15 to the shelf support bracket 12. 28 is a strip of Velcro permanently applied.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the shelf cover case 17 is made of flexible sheet material. 18 and 19 are flap fasteners. 20 indicates three pieces of flexible material to accommodate a support base. Items 18, 19, 20 and 22 are permanently secured to the cover case 17, specifically the rear exterior panel 23. 24a and 24b are support bracket reveal holes centered on a pocket liner 21 and the rear exterior panel 23. 25 is an exterior front panel. 26, Grommets are secured to the two rear bottom comers of the assembled cover case 17.

[0045]FIG. 4 shows 30 and 31, music secure straps and fasteners assembled. These secure straps 30, are made of flexible material.

[0046]FIG. 5 shows the top reveal of interior pockets 34. 32 is an example of a compatible tripod in storage. Also, FIG. 5 shows a shoulder strap consisting of durable hook fasteners and strap material. FIG. 6 is an example of the present invention when used with a compatible support base 33.

[0047] The assembly of the cover case 17 is best seen in FIG. 3. The exterior panels 23 and 25 are joined to the pocket liner 21 on all outer edges allowing the interior pockets 34 to become apparent. The bottom center portion of the pocket liner 21 is not joined so as to create a sleeve for fitting over the shelf 11.

[0048] Advantages

[0049] From the description above, a number of advantages of my invention become evident.

[0050] a) The cover case feature 17 eliminates the need of an extra carrying bag for the music stand.

[0051] b) The tabletop leg 14 and 15 provides the user with alternative placement options. This is a very accommodating feature when space is limited or compromising.

[0052] c) The cover case interior pockets 34, provide room for traditional size music in the rear two pockets and also orchestral size scores in the oversized front pocket.

[0053] d) The writing utensil feature 22 and the tripod storage feature 20 provide convenient storage options.

[0054] e) A removable shoulder strap 27 makes it possible to display a clean and aesthetically appealing stand where appropriately desired.

[0055] f) The music secure straps 30 and 31 combined eliminate any concerns about material blowing off the stand. This is especially an issue when in use outdoors.

[0056] g) Many musicians can't find a portable stand tall enough. This issue is resolved by using the height extension rod 16. Further, this rod 16, conveniently fits inside the front pocket 34 of the cover case 17.

[0057] Operation

[0058] In Operation the user of the present invention will find virtually every functional need accommodated in a very convenient manner. Referring to FIG. 5 the preferred embodiment is shown where the majority of these advantages can be best seen. Starting with the shelf 11, the present invention is intended to display printed material, particularly but not limited to sheet music. The dimensions are determined in a way that orchestral size scores will be easily accommodated. Further, the shelf 11 is constructed of rigid sheet material to provide a firm foundation for display and also to withstand the rigors of transport.

[0059] The tabletop leg assembly consisting of 14 and 15 and best shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, provides the user with several convenient advantages. First, it permits the invention to be used on alternative flat surfaces for situations where a support base is not practical. The leg pivot 14 is fastened to the shelf bracket 12 by way of a carriage bolt and nut 13. The carriage bolt and nut 13 allows the leg pivot 14 to move freely yet securely without the concern of loosening from the shelf support bracket 12. This design also allows for a free full range of tilt angles.

[0060] Another advantage of the leg assembly 14 and 15 is its ability to be used with a tripod support base 33 and best shown in FIG. 6. Although not a part of this present invention, there are several existing support bases on the market that are compatible to receive and secure the table top leg 15. Still another advantage to the leg feature 14 and 15 is a longer accessory rod 16 which is interchangeable with the tabletop leg 15. This height extension rod 16, offers a convenient way for standing users to be accommodated and can be best seen in FIG. 7.

[0061] The main objective of this present invention was to create a stand that will conveniently transport sheet music and accessories. This is accomplished by way of the shelf cover case design 17 best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. Its advantages are numerous. It can store standard and orchestral size music scores. A writing utensil storage feature 22 is fastened in a secure and accessible location on the interior flap best shown on FIG. 5. A shoulder strap 27 can be applied and removed from the grommets 26 at the bottom comers of the shelf case cover 17. 18 and 19 are fasteners to ensure a discreet and secure closure. FIG. 3 shows a bracket reveal hole 24 a and 24 b that allows the shelf cover case 17 to be removed if desired. 28 is a strip of hook and loop Velcro fastened to the bottom interior of the rear panel 23 and 21 pocket liner assembled and also the bottom rear of the shelf 11, intended to create a removable seal between the shelf 11 and the shelf cover case 17.

[0062]FIG. 4 shows still another advantage of the present invention with music secure straps 30 and 31 respectively. These secure straps 30 are constructed of an expandable and contractible material with fasteners 31 on the ends. These secure straps allow easy manipulation for moving the items they are securing to the invention. They are designed to be completely adjustable and removable for preferred placement.

[0063] Overall, the present invention accomplishes all of the objectives considered in creating a desirable portable stand. Finally it is functionally convenient in more ways than any past or current inventions of this nature and is aesthetically appealing.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

[0064] Thus the reader will see that the present invention provides a highly reliable, very considerate mode for displaying music whether at home or taking it abroad.

[0065] Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention.

[0066] For example, the placement of the support base storage feature 20 can be changed to an additional pocket design or be fastened to the shelf lip on the front by way of fashioned clips, Velcro or straps.

[0067] The cover case 17 can be fastened with removable means other than hook and loop Velcro. Snaps, buttons or zippers are less preferable yet still possible alternatives.

[0068] The tabletop leg assembly 14 and 15 can be permanently connected to form one item. The same can be said about the height extension adaptor 16. It can be permanently fastened to a pivot piece 14, creating a different embodiment for interchanging with the tabletop leg assembly 14 and 15. The cover case pocket liner has 3 pocket features in the present invention but need not be restricted to that number.

[0069] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. A portable music stand top and case combined comprising a shelf made of rigid material, and a cover case made of durable fabric material. The said cover case is precisely fitted over said shelf, and
 2. The stand according to claim 1 wherein a pocket liner made of durable fabric material is integrated inside the said cover case.
 3. The stand according to claim 1 has means for tabletop use that is interchangeable with a height extension accessory, both constructed of rigid material. 